One of the challenges of still photography is to show depth and texture. After all, a photo is limited. I love the depth of 3-D images and never lost my fascination with View-Masters, devices that held a cardboard wheel with slide images where pairs of identical transparencies were slightly offset. They worked like the stereoscopes of earlier generations. Clicking the wheel, images popped out in 3-D, but if you closed one eye it sadly became a flat image.
Imagine my pleasure when I was invited to photograph this home in Victory Ranch, a destination recreational community on the Provo River east of Park City. The interior design is by AMB Design (Anne-Marie Barton), and Dubell Construction (Steve Dubell) just finished the construction.
The design is an interplay of depth and textures, as seen in this sitting area at the end of the open living area. The paired chairs in the foreground look out to the hillside, river, reservoir, and the ski runs of Park City.
Double chandeliers hang from the wooden rafters of the open-beamed dining room ceiling for more layering and shadows. A thick carpet overlaid on another peeks out in a glimpse to the sitting area. Layering textures and colors in the carpets is a signature of AMB Design. Looking to the far end, first is the stone of the fireplace wall and behind is the reclaimed wood of the entry, and then a door that draws the eye back even further.
In the kitchen with its enviable counter workspace, the paired glass pendants and metal range hood provide depth at eye level. A pantry behind the built-in enclosures for the refrigerators provide enough storage to allow the kitchen counters to remain uncluttered.
The reclaimed wood entry is a bridge between the spaces. To the left is the front door, behind the camera is the open living area, to the right are the stairs to the level below with a large window, and straight is the master suite.
The location at its own end of the home ensures privacy for the master bedroom and allows for floor-to-ceiling views in two directions. The padded upholstered headboard runs the length of the wall. More layers and more textures.
The reading chair with lamp provides a quiet retreat space, something I see thoughtful designers paying attention to when working with open plans. The ottoman, throw, and cushions engage the tactile sense.
Going downstairs to the lower level, bench seating awaits, and the artwork sets a tone that the high level of design seen upstairs continues down below.
The downstairs features four more bedrooms, space for casual recreation, and a home theater. This is a peek at one of the bedrooms.
Lots more to show you, but you get the idea. Interesting layers add dimension and make the photos feel more like inviting spaces to walk into. As far as making the photos, it’s important that each of the layers get a little light and that shadows are maintained or the photos look flat. There is a photo style of overall flat light that you see in some publications where there aren’t layers or shadows. To me, without depth the viewer is locked out and not drawn into the space. Just one photo guy’s opinion.
Want more glorious photos by Scot? Check out all his blogs here!
